POLICE have issued a safety plea to car drivers and motorcyclists as the dark evenings draw in, posing extra dangers on the roads.

Officers made the appeal to try to curb casualties among the biking fraternity using roads in County Durham and Darlington.

Although there were 731 road accident casualties across the Durham force area last year, 20 fewer than in 2001, accidents involving motorcyclists increased.

There have already been nine deaths among riders and pillion passengers this year, compared to an average of three to four in each of the past five years.

Force traffic experts are concerned that the onset of Greenwich Mean Time and darker winter days means motorcyclists are at their most vulnerable.

PC Dave Nixon, casualty reduction officer, said: "Many drivers of larger vehicles involved in collisions with motorbikes tell us they just did not see the motorcycle.

"Now British Summer Time has ended, bikers face the additional hazard of travelling in the dark on mornings and earlier in the evening.

"It is particularly important at this time of year that not only bikers, but also pedal cyclists and pedestrians, wear bright clothing so they can easily be seen.

"Motorists should ensure their vehicles are well lit so they can see and be seen."

PC Nixon urged drivers to give their vehicles a pre-winter health check.

He said: "Winter is approaching and motorists should now be carrying out some good housekeeping in relation to their vehicles, ensuring lights and windscreen wipers are working, screen wash bottles are topped up and tyres are in good condition."

Over coming months, patrol officers will stop vehicles, and motorists using dangerous or unsafe cars will be prosecuted.

The force will also mount an education campaign.

PC Nixon said: "The tendency for foggy, rainy weather at this time of the year can effect visibility at any time of the day.

"With this in mind, pedal cyclists should only use bikes with lights and motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians need to wear bright clothing."

He added that, ideally, clothing should be fluorescent during the day and reflective at night.